Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy mentioned the banking inquiry. The issues being addressed by the inquiry are of great importance to the public, and the Department of the Taoiseach will co-operate fully with it. I can assure the Deputy that the Department intends to provide the committee with as much information as is lawfully permitted and with as few redactions as possible. In responding to requests from the banking inquiry, my Department must have regard to the law. Cabinet confidentiality, as the Deputy is now aware, is a fundamental principle of our system of government, and Article 28.4.3° provides for that, except in very limited circumstances, which do not include the banking inquiry legislation. It is likely that some records may have to be withheld or adapted in order to ensure that the constitutional provisions regarding Cabinet confidentiality are adhered to.

The Department of the Taoiseach will liaise very closely with the Office of the Attorney General regarding any requests that come from the banking inquiry committee with a view to ensuring that as much transparency as is possible is provided. Therefore, it is far too early to draw any conclusions as to whether provisions on Cabinet confidentiality will be a serious impediment to the work of the inquiry. Let me assure the Deputy that the Department of the Taoiseach will be as open as possible to any requests from the banking inquiry.

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